Villagers hardened by Govt. apathy

By W. Chandrakanth

JEDCHERLA, MAY 1. Half a century of political freedom has made them self-sufficient. Their transformation is complete.

However, this should not be construed in haste as an achievement of the locals. If any, it is an achievement of the State. Credit must go to the district authorities and the people's representatives of the area and the local managers of all political parties.

Gairangadda Tanda, a tribal hamlet located hardly a 100 kms. from the State capital and some 30 kms. from the district headquarter town of Mahabubnagar, is a slap on the face of humanity. The lambadas of the hamlet have attained `self- sufficiency' because they make do with whatever little they have, and they have changed from believers to non-believers in any system or party.

Gairangadda Tanda is one of those dark chapters in the history of development. The third consecutive year of drought has broken the back of the tanda. Thirst and hunger are its curse now.

Located three-and-a-half kilometres away from Kodgal village, the tanda is a world of its own. There is one dusty uneven road, winding along the Dindi stream from Kodgal towards the hillocks through dried-up fields.

The parched tanda inhabitants are now left with no hopes and hefty loans. There are other problems too here.

When a six-year-old Manjya was bitten by a snake, the locals did not know what to do. They applied some `jadibooti' (herbs) and left the rest to God. When Seeta complained of intense labour pains, the people did not know how to transport her to Kodgal or Jedcherla a little further down. While the deliberations on whether someone should cycle her downhill or transport her in a bullock cart were on, she delivered a male baby, the first one in the family. But it died soon after due to lack of medical care. There is no primary health centre here. Anyone falling ill have to trek long distances to reach the hospital.

Lack of work is forcing the male members to leave the tanda. But, there is no security for anyone. Latchuman who migrated to Hyderabad two years ago was hit by a lorry and the hamlet was not aware of it for quite some time. His wife too has now migrated to the city with her children.

Some have sent their daughters away to the city. ``We have left them in the custody of our relatives so that they can work and earn something. Will our girls be safe in the city?'', wonders Jumani.

Three years of deficit rainfall has rendered their lands useless now. The Tendu leaves (beedi leaves) season, now on, lasts only two weeks and fetches them about Rs.40 a day.

``We do not know what to do afterwards. There is no work nearby. Most of us have sold cattle to repay a part of our loans. The moneylenders and traders are after us pestering us to sell away our lands too'', they complain.

The tanda does not have electricity. Drinking water sources have dried up. The locals are angry that the officials are not bothered about them. ``One of us has committed suicide by consuming pesticide. When there is nothing left, that is probably what we will have to drink.''

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